Comedy character Alan Partridge will return for a new docuseries in which he will reintegrate into life in the UK after a year working in Saudi Arabia.
And Did Those Feet… With Alan Partridge (ADTFWAP) will follow the fictional TV presenter, portrayed by comedian Steve Coogan, as he realises something is missing from his life.
In six 30-minute episodes, the documentary about homecoming will morph into an exploration of the mental health issues facing the UK.
Sarah Monteith, chief executive of production company Baby Cow, said: ‘We’re delighted Alan’s back from Saudi Arabia with his appetite for broadcasting undiminished.
‘ADTFWAP promises to be exactly the sort of uncompromising, state-of-the-nation piece that the country needs, almost as much as he does.’
Steve Coogan’s comedy character Alan Partridge is to return for a new docuseries in which he will reintegrate into life in the UK after a year working in Saudi Arabia (Steve pictured in 2022)
And Did Those Feet… With Alan Partridge (ADTFWAP) will follow the fictional TV presenter, portrayed by comedian Steve Coogan, as he realises something is missing from his life
Jon Petrie, BBC director of comedy commissioning, said: ‘Alan Partridge is the most iconic comedy character in the UK.
‘The wonderful Steve Coogan and Neil and Rob Gibbons continue to innovate and create an even richer world for Alan to inhabit.
‘This unflinching look at the state of the UK through Alan’s eyes promises to add more brilliance to the Partridge canon.’
The series is one of six new comedy shows announced by Mr Petrie, with Greg Davies’ The Cleaner and Man Like Mobeen from Guz Khan set to make a return.
Actor Steve is known for playing his most famous comic creation in TV show I’m Alan Partridge, which ended in 2002.
He reprised his role for This Time With Alan Partridge, which follows Partridge as he is given the chance to co-host fictional weekday magazine show This Time.
Steve recently starred in Jimmy Savile drama The Reckoning, which aired in October last year.
The Reckoning details Savile’s rise to fame and his campaign of abuse while at the height of his stardom, as well as how his crimes were revealed following his death.
In six 30-minute episodes, the documentary about homecoming will morph into an exploration of the mental health issues facing the UK (Steve pictured as Alan Partridge in series one of I’m Alan Partridge in 1997)
The four-part BBC series was praised for its handling of pedophile Jimmy’s heinous acts.
But in the lead up to its premiere, the series came under fire from victims’ families who were upset that their experiences were being made into entertainment.
In October last year, Steve was slated to appear to sign copies of his Alan Partridge autobiography while in character as the tactless and inept broadcaster.
However, it was reported that Steve’s team feared it could be jarring for him to appear as Alan so soon after he was seen as Savile in the series.
A source told The Sun: ‘Steve’s team were aware of the highly sensitive nature of the BBC drama and how it could jar with him getting into character as Alan for his book. No one wants to cause a stir.’
The appearance was moved to later in the month so as not to be so close to when The Reckoning aired.
Steve recently starred in Jimmy Savile drama The Reckoning, which aired in October last year (Steve pictured as Jimmy Savile)
A spokesperson for the actor told at the time: ‘Due to a demanding rehearsal schedule for his next film, the book signings will now begin later this month in line with Steve’s availability.’
Steve’s portrayal of the disgraced disc jockey was also branded an ‘acting masterclass’ and ‘convincingly vile’ in the first episode of the four-part series.
When alive, Savile was one of the BBC’s most popular presenters and figureheads, but was exposed as a serial abuser following his death.
He used his involvement in various organisations such as the BBC, the Catholic church, the political sphere, charities, hospitals and prisons to legitimise himself and go undetected while sexually abusing hundreds of children and young people.